In statements to Prensa Latina, the lawyer, economist and politician considered fundamental the victory by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the Brazilian presidential elections to achieve a relaunching of this regional integration mechanism.

That Lula wins elections is undoubtedly essential so that the cooperation and unity can be revived, Samper said.

He also affirmed that during the summit of CELAC’s heads of State by year-end, there could be announcements on the process of institutionalization of this bloc, the only one that includes all regional countries.

Samper participated at an international seminar of that entity in Buenos Aires on Thursday, attended by presidents and leaders of a thirty nations.

Addressing the meeting, he advocated for achieving that the CELAC has a technical support, financing and its own structure that would allow it to represent its members and make joint decisions.

On the other hand, Samper highlighted the decision by new Colombian President Gustavo Petro to resume the commitments for a negotiation with the National Liberation Army on peace in his country.

We are grateful to countries such as Cuba and Norway that reiterated their willingness to continue accompanying the peace process in Colombia, he said.

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